No one will mistake the latest Lakers news as a blockbuster move that will suddenly lift the team’s fortunes. But it’s a start.

In hopes of bolstering their frontcourt depth, the Lakers claimed rookie center Tarik Black off waivers. To pave way for that roster spot, the Lakers waived reserve forward Xavier Henry amid him nursing a season-ending injury to his left Achilles tendon.

Black averaged 4.2 points on 54.2 percent shooting and 5.1 rebounds through 25 games with the Houston Rockets as a backup center behind Dwight Howard. The Rockets recently waived Black to make room for Josh Smith, whom the Detroit Pistons recently released. Lakers coach Byron Scott said Black plans to arrive in Los Angeles for a physical on Monday with hopes of becoming available for Tuesday’s game in Denver.

“If I’m a big and you bring in another big, it would open my eyes a little bit. It makes for better competition.” Scott said. “It brings out the best in players or the worst.”

The Lakers’ frontcourt includes Jordan Hill, Ed Davis, Carlos Boozer and Robert Sacre. Scott also predicted Ryan Kelly could return Friday against Memphis after staying out the past six weeks because of a torn right hamstring. But that return hinges on how Kelly fares in five-on-five scrimmages during practices on Wednesday and Thursday.

But the Lakers lack consistency in that position.

After posting 13.9 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 9.7 rebounds in 14 games through November, Hill entered Sunday’s game against Phoenix averaging 10.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting and 6.6 rebounds through 10 games in December. Although Boozer has averaged 13.2 points on 52 percent shooting and 7.3 rebounds, Scott demoted him to a bench role amid concerns about his defense. Sacre has averaged a modest 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 14.4 minutes.

“He plays within himself and doesn’t try to shoot 18-foot jump shots,” Scott said of Davis. “That’s not his game. He’s in that paint and is effective. He’s a prime example of someone who knows who they are.”

The Lakers will find out more about the 6-11, 250-pound Black, whom Scott praised for his physical play, basketball IQ, athleticism and defensive hustle. The Lakers hold a team option on Black for the 2015-16 season.

“What basketball player doesn’t grow up wishing to play for a historic organization like the Lakers,” tweeted Black, who will wear No. 28. “I am honored and can’t wait to get to work. Hopefully I can help this team and you guys will enjoy the process.”

The Lakers delayed on waiving Henry after appearing in only nine games this because they want to wait until an available player matched their needs. That also gave Henry access to rehab with the Lakers’ training staff. Henry will still make a guaranteed $1.1 million.

“Nothing has changed,” Henry tweeted. “I’m working to get healthy everyday. I understand the situation and thank u for your wishes n good vibes.”

Mark Medina has been the Lakers beat writer for the Los Angeles Daily News since 2012. He also works as a Lakers insider for AM570 and is heard on national radio outlets, including The Dan Patrick Show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, The Chris Mannix Show, Fox Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio, Yahoo! Sports Radio and SB Nation Radio. Medina also appears frequently on Spectrum SportsNet and NBC4's "Going Roggin."